In the wake of a severe water crisis, Bengaluru residents face a conundrum as new restrictions by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) limit the use of potable water for non-essential activities, prompting a flurry of concerns from those living in independent houses due to their reliance on this primary water source for activities like car washing and gardening.
As the city grapples with the implications of a recent drought—the worst in over a century—efforts to preserve the remaining water resources have included penalties for violation of the water use guidelines and a push to recycle water whenever possible. Meanwhile, the city, once known for its abundant lakes and mild climate, now endures the consequences of rapid urbanization and the loss of its water bodies to development. In response to dire warnings, BWSSB Chairman Dr. V Ram Prasath Manohar insists that the measures are not an outright ban but an essential response to minimize water waste, as the city’s current supply of Cauvery water remains precariously stretched to meet its burgeoning demand.
The scenario in Bengaluru underscores the urgency of water conservation and the need for innovative solutions to address the crisis, such as better utilization of treated wastewater and rainwater. The BWSSB emphasizes that they have strategies in place to ensure continuity in the water supply and are working on long-term solutions for the megacity as it faces an impending shortage amidst election season. Water expert Vishwanath Srikantaiah expresses a hopeful outlook, suggesting potential measures that could collectively secure Bengaluru’s water future for a population expected to double. Despite these assurances, the citizens and authorities are bracing themselves for the tough months ahead, hoping for an early reprieve with pre-monsoon showers.